Minimally Invasive Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF)

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion is a minimally invasive procedure that allows for spinal realignment through a side (lateral) approach to the lumbar spine. This technique is especially effective for correcting spinal deformities, including scoliosis and kyphosis, or for addressing damage caused by trauma. The surgery uses natural anatomical corridors between muscle layers to access the disc space, avoiding disruption to key muscles. A customized spacer, designed to fit the patient’s disc angle precisely, is inserted to restore disc height, correct alignment, and relieve nerve compression. Incisions are typically small—about 3 inches or less—resulting in reduced tissue trauma and faster recovery.

Minimally Invasive Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)

In ALIF, the surgeon accesses the lumbar spine through an incision in the abdomen, allowing for a direct view of the intervertebral disc without disturbing back muscles or spinal nerves. The damaged disc is removed and replaced with a spacer filled with bone graft material, which encourages the vertebrae to fuse over time. Depending on the individual case, additional hardware such as screws, plates, or rods may be used for stability. A “Mini ALIF” refers to the same procedure performed through a smaller incision, offering the same benefits with less disruption to surrounding tissues.

Minimally Invasive Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)

Extreme lateral interbody fusion is another variation of lateral access spinal fusion. Performed through the side of the body, this technique avoids disruption to the back muscles and spinal nerves. The damaged disc is removed, and a fusion spacer is inserted between the vertebrae. This spacer restores height, relieves nerve pressure, and facilitates spinal fusion. Additional fixation devices such as rods or screws may be implanted to provide long-term structural support and improve spinal alignment. XLIF is particularly beneficial for patients with degenerative disc disease or mild to moderate spinal deformity.

Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

TLIF is performed from a posterolateral approach, slightly to the side of the midline. In minimally invasive TLIF, the patient is placed face-down, and two retractors are positioned to provide access to the spine without disturbing central ligaments or midline bone. The lamina and affected disc are removed, and a bone graft or spacer is inserted into the disc space to promote fusion. Screws and rods are then placed through the same small incisions to stabilise the segment. This technique reduces muscle disruption and post-operative pain while maintaining spinal alignment.

Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Posterior Pedicle Screw Fixation

This technique is used in conjunction with other fusion procedures or as a standalone method for spinal stabilisation. Through small skin incisions, the surgeon places screws into the vertebrae using imaging guidance and attaches rods to secure the spinal column. Because the incisions are small and the muscles are preserved, recovery is typically faster and associated with less pain than open methods. Each of these minimally invasive fusion techniques offers unique benefits depending on the patient’s condition, anatomy, and surgical goals. Discussing these options in detail with your spinal surgeon will help determine the best approach tailored to your specific needs.

Lumbar Fracture Fixation and Spinal Fusion

Lumbar fracture fixation with fusion stabilizes the lower spine after a fracture (from trauma/osteoporosis) by permanently joining vertebrae with a bone graft and hardware.

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About Lumbar Fracture Fixation and Spinal Fusion

Lumbar fracture fixation with spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to stabilise the lower spine after a fracture. These fractures can result from significant trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from a height, or from weakened bones due to conditions like osteoporosis. When a lumbar vertebra is fractured and the spine becomes unstable—or when bone fragments press on the spinal cord or nerve roots—surgical fixation may be necessary.

The spinal column is composed of a series of vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs, which serve as cushions that enable spinal movement. These discs allow flexibility and motion, such as bending forward or arching backward. However, when a vertebral fracture disrupts this structure, movement in the affected area can cause significant pain and further neurological damage.

Spinal fusion is performed to restore stability by permanently connecting two or more vertebrae. The surgeon may use screws, rods, plates, or cages to realign the spine and hold the vertebrae together. A bone graft, taken either from the patient (autograft) or a donor (allograft), is placed between the vertebrae to promote bone growth and eventual fusion. Over time, the vertebrae grow together into a single, solid unit, eliminating painful movement and restoring alignment.

There are various types of lumbar spine fractures, including:

Compression fractures, where the vertebra collapses in height, often due to osteoporosis.
Flexion and extension fractures, typically caused by sudden forward or backward force.
Rotation and distraction fractures, which may result from violent twisting or pulling forces.

Spinal fusion may be advised for several conditions in addition to trauma, such as abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis or kyphosis), disc herniation, spinal instability from tumors or infections, or chronic degenerative changes that compromise function.

The goal of surgery is to stabilise the spine, relieve nerve compression, and allow early mobilisation. Recovery typically begins with physiotherapy soon after the operation is critical to regain strength, restore functional ability, and return to daily activities.

Damage from a lumbar fracture can lead to muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and reduced independence in everyday tasks. By stabilising the fractured vertebrae and preventing further damage, spinal fusion surgery offers a way to restore function and improve quality of life in suitable patients.

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Interbody Fusion Procedures

Minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion (MI-LIF) procedures are advanced surgical techniques designed to stabilise the spine and correct deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis, degenerative disc disease, or trauma-related damage. Unlike traditional open surgeries, these approaches use smaller incisions, spare surrounding muscles and tissues, and often result in quicker recovery times and reduced post-operative pain.

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Sub-procedures

The Lumbar Fracture Fixation and Spinal Fusion involves possible sub-procedures. To read more about the applicable sub-procedure(s), please read below.

Minimally Invasive Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF)
Lateral lumbar interbody fusion is a minimally invasive procedure that allows for spinal realignment through a side (lateral) approach to the lumbar spine. This technique is especially effective for correcting spinal deformities, including scoliosis and kyphosis, or for addressing damage caused by trauma.

The surgery uses natural anatomical corridors between muscle layers to access the disc space, avoiding disruption to key muscles. A customized spacer, designed to fit the patient’s disc angle precisely, is inserted to restore disc height, correct alignment, and relieve nerve compression. Incisions are typically small—about 3 inches or less—resulting in reduced tissue trauma and faster recovery.
Minimally Invasive Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
In ALIF, the surgeon accesses the lumbar spine through an incision in the abdomen, allowing for a direct view of the intervertebral disc without disturbing back muscles or spinal nerves. The damaged disc is removed and replaced with a spacer filled with bone graft material, which encourages the vertebrae to fuse over time.

Depending on the individual case, additional hardware such as screws, plates, or rods may be used for stability. A “Mini ALIF” refers to the same procedure performed through a smaller incision, offering the same benefits with less disruption to surrounding tissues.
Minimally Invasive Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)
Extreme lateral interbody fusion is another variation of lateral access spinal fusion. Performed through the side of the body, this technique avoids disruption to the back muscles and spinal nerves. The damaged disc is removed, and a fusion spacer is inserted between the vertebrae. This spacer restores height, relieves nerve pressure, and facilitates spinal fusion.

Additional fixation devices such as rods or screws may be implanted to provide long-term structural support and improve spinal alignment. XLIF is particularly beneficial for patients with degenerative disc disease or mild to moderate spinal deformity.
Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
TLIF is performed from a posterolateral approach, slightly to the side of the midline. In minimally invasive TLIF, the patient is placed face-down, and two retractors are positioned to provide access to the spine without disturbing central ligaments or midline bone.

The lamina and affected disc are removed, and a bone graft or spacer is inserted into the disc space to promote fusion. Screws and rods are then placed through the same small incisions to stabilise the segment. This technique reduces muscle disruption and post-operative pain while maintaining spinal alignment.
Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Posterior Pedicle Screw Fixation
This technique is used in conjunction with other fusion procedures or as a standalone method for spinal stabilisation. Through small skin incisions, the surgeon places screws into the vertebrae using imaging guidance and attaches rods to secure the spinal column. Because the incisions are small and the muscles are preserved, recovery is typically faster and associated with less pain than open methods.

Each of these minimally invasive fusion techniques offers unique benefits depending on the patient’s condition, anatomy, and surgical goals. Discussing these options in detail with your spinal surgeon will help determine the best approach tailored to your specific needs.

Lower Back Surgery

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Doctors performing Lumbar Fracture Fixation and Spinal Fusion

All procedures at GMS Cyprus are performed by internationally recognized surgeons from Israel, the EU, and the US. Each selected for their exceptional qualifications, surgical expertise, and commitment to patient care.

Our doctors are leaders in their fields, with extensive experience in advanced techniques and consistently high success rates. They work closely with our medical board and patient support team to ensure each treatment is safe, effective, and tailored to the individual.

The GMS Cyprus Promise

We are committed to providing every patient with access to world-class surgeons, personalized care, and unwavering support throughout their medical journey.

We carefully select our surgeons based on international standards, clinical excellence, and patient outcomes. We believe that medical travel should be stress-free, transparent, and guided by people who genuinely care. Our promise is to treat you with dignity, protect your privacy, and give you peace of mind every step of the way.

How it works

Step 1

Submit a consultation request

Fill out a short form and let us know your medical concern. A coordinator will contact you within 48 hours.

Step 2

Share Your Medical History

Send your relevant documents (scans, reports, etc.). We’ll help you prepare them and handle translation if needed.

Step 3

Receive your medical proposal

Receive a detailed proposal, including surgeon profile, recommended treatment, estimated costs, and recovery plan.

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Testimonials

Ilanit Boker

I happily recommend the services of the GMS team. I needed a unique procedure which is not performed in Israel and I turned to them.

Over a telephone conversation with GMS representative Roy, I felt caring attention and confidence that he would help in everything. He accompanied us throughout the entire process, before the flight and even after.

In addition to Roy, we would like to sincerely thank Oriya, our allocated Israeli speaking patient coordinator of the company in Cyprus.

Even before our departure, Oriya was in touch with us helping with any issues and made sure that we arrived fully prepared – taking into account the smallest details; even to the point of finding out our food preferences, and despite the late hour of our arrival at the hotel, she ensured an exquisite meal was waiting for us in the room. Oriya greeted us upon arrival and truly made us feel like we were her personal guests. She accompanied us throughout the entire day of the operation – attentively, with endless care and continued patience.

I felt like I had a good friend with me in the hospital. This kind of treatment doesn’t happen very often… At the end of the day we parted, hugging each other, and Oriya gave recommendations on where to go and what to do in the time remaining before returning home.

I just don’t have enough words to thank GMS and Oriya for everything. I can only recommend with a reassurance that those who need it should use their services.

Almog Brand

When I was looking for information about palm surgery, I found many recommendations about Dr. Amir Oron. After a consultation with Dr. Amir, I was surprised to learn that my health insurance does not guarantee that he will be the surgeon to perform the procedure.

That is when I contacted GMS, who explained how I could have the surgery performed by the physician of my choice – which gave me peace of mind. It is very important for me to share my experience, as the service I received through GMS exceeded any similar experience in Israel: From the beginning I was assigned a GMS representative from Israel, who explained in detail what my experience would be and answered all my questions about the operation and the treatment process. (Thanks, Roy!)

All I had to do was fill out the application form. GMS representatives took care of everything themselves!

They contacted the insurance company on my behalf and even had them check the status of the application until the financial commitment for the surgery was received. We agreed with on the surgical date, booked the flights at a convenient time for me, and also dealt with the hotel reservation. The GMS staff even reviewed the menu and took any dietary restrictions into consideration on my behalf.

We were picked up from the airport in Larnaca, Cyprus where we met the wonderful Oria, who accompanied us throughout the entire visit and took care of every detail; from registration to preparation for the operation.

This is essentially a VIP service that made the entire experience relaxed and stress-free.
The assigned coordinators continued caring after my return to Israel. They were interested in my recuperation post-operatively and also ensured all financial matters were dealt with; all this, by the way, without any commissions or payouts on my part, but directly with my insurance.
In a word – an amazing experience!
In short – I recommend it!

Thank to GMS, thank you Roy, thank you Uriah and thank you Dr. Oron.

Nirit Shortz-Raphael

I do not even know where to start!!
Overall, the service exceeded all my expectations!

Roy – thank you for your patience, quick responses (minutes!), availability, caring and clear explanations! You are inimitable! Oriya – you are amazing! Thank you for every smile, hug, help, guidance, explanation… really! You are simply amazing!

Every time I was asked by friends and family about the surgery, I immediately started talking about your amazing service! I felt warmth and love, and everyone who was with me felt the same!
We never stop talking about you, and really, only good things!

You have entered our hearts!
Thank you very much for everything! I hope to see you in the future, under different circumstances.

Nadav Ben-Ezer

When one thinks of “Medical Operation” overseas, the last thing that comes to mind is a “Great Experience”, but this is exactly what I have experienced, going through a prostate removal procedure via GMS Cyprus. With their professional and compassionate approach, the GMS Cyprus team provides to the confused and worried patient a complete transparent VIP envelop, which takes care of all the logistics involved in “Medical Tourism” for the patient and their escort, as well as assembling a world class international medical team and medical facilities suitable to treat the medical diagnosis at hand.

From the first time the medical situation was diagnosed, and the first contact was made, the GMS team was there to remove the hassle and understand my concerns and worries about the medical issue and being far from home, and they handled every detail of the logistics of travel, insurance company requirements and medical preparations. From first arrival at the luxurious hotel, assigned to the first night and for my personal escort, the GMS management, Udi and Clair, has treated me as family away from home and personally came to greet me and attend firsthand to all my needs and requests. To top it all, they assigned their own personal escort, the wonderful Aia, which was available 24/7 and door to door to handle any need and detail and helped interface with the local hospital team.

I want also to recommend the choice of the hospital at Limassol, which is modern and clean, and of course GMS team have in advance reserved a private and spacious room and nominated a local doctor, which was familiar with my case and participated in the treatment and which came often to check my condition and parameters.

To summarize, I would not go so far as to wish such treatment to anybody, but if you must go through the medical procedure, the VIP treatment provided by GMS is a legitimate alternative, combining easy logistics, professional medical treatment by your own doctor, modern hospital, relaxed overseas experience and personal compassionate escorting to ease and sweeten the experience.

Dorit

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